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Lower Merion, PA – The Main Line affiliate of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and Independence Blue Cross invite the community to find help/find hope at its fall mental health information fair and 5k Walk.

Main Line NAMI on the Move will take place on Saturday, October 13, beginning at 8:30am at Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church, 36 Ardmore Avenue, Ardmore. This free, family-friendly community event will feature welcoming remarks from Dr. Mike Cirigliano, medical correspondent for the Fox 29 News program “Good Day Philadelphia,” a mental health resources fair, and a 5k walk (with1k option) through downtown Ardmore. Refreshments are included.

A highlight of the event will be a brief presentation by Jordan Burnham, survivor of a suicide attempt during his senior year in high school. Jordan is now a nationally-recognized mental health advocate who has addressed a Congressional briefing on Capitol Hill and was chosen as one of the “Best of Philly” for his work in public speaking and advocacy.

“Are you, a loved one or perhaps someone in your network of friends and acquaintances struggling with a mental health issue? This is the question we need to be openly asking within our families and social circles,” says Nora Hunt-Johnson, this year’s walk and event co-chair. “One in five individuals experiences mental health challenges, yet many are not even aware of the support and services offered right here on the Main Line. People struggle – often suffer – in silence, and that need not be the case.”

“The number of youth and young adults challenged by mental health disorders continues to increase, and NAMI Main Line wants the community to know that we are here to help with resources, education and support,” adds Nancy Dever, facilitator of a parent support group and NAMI Board member. “We really appreciate that Jordan will share his powerful story of fighting depression and finding recovery. His courage and determination are inspiring and his message especially resonates with young people.”

“For 80 years, Independence has been serving communities throughout the region and making sure that people get the quality care they need and deserve to support their physical, emotional, and mental well-being,” said Richard L. Snyder, M.D., Independence Blue Cross Chief Medical Officer. “That is why we are proud to sponsor the NAMI Main Line Mental Health Resources Fair and 5k Walk — a community event created to help individuals with mental illness and their family members live their best lives.”

NAMI PA, Main Line, an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, provides information and support to people experiencing mental health challenges, their families and friends. All services are free-of-charge. Visit https://namipamainline.org/

About Independence Blue CrossIndependence Blue Cross is the leading health insurance organization in southeastern Pennsylvania. With our affiliates, we serve 8.1 million people in 27 states and the District of Columbia, including 2.5 million in the region. For almost 80 years, we have been enhancing the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve by delivering innovative and competitively priced health care products and services; pioneering new ways to reward doctors, hospitals, and other health care professionals for coordinated, quality care; and supporting programs and events that promote wellness. To learn more, visit www.ibx.com. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.